Fall is an opportune time to prepare your basement for Northeast Wisconsin’s winter and the upcoming spring thaw. At Pouwels Basement Specialists, many of the foundation and basement damage we see in the spring could have been avoided if homeowners took a few precautions before winter. Homeowners
in Green Bay, Appleton, Manitowoc, Marinette, Door County and throughout Northeast Wisconsin can protect their basements from winter leakage problems with these three essential maintenance practices.
Check Your Sump Pump Discharge Line
First, let’s look at your sump pump discharge line. Sump pump discharge lines that are too long are prone to freezing. Icy build-up in a frozen sump pump discharge line can lead to a back-up and a flooded basement. If the discharge line is a ribbed flexible hose, we recommend disconnecting it about 6 feet from the house. Also, overlap the 1-1/2 solid line with a 4-inch PVC line about 10 feet from the home. These winterizing measures will help protect the line from freezing and help prevent flooding in the basement in the spring. You will still need to keep an eye out for freezing around the discharge line, but it will be much easier to keep a shorter line under control. In addition, be sure to winterize the outside faucets to prevent a burst water line in the spring. For additional peace or mind, check out Pouwels Basement Specialists’ Back-up Sump Pump Systems.
Repair Water Seepage Issues
Second, when winterizing your Wisconsin home, take a good look at your foundation walls. Look for any sign of water seepage. The freeze-thaw cycles and spring thaw can accentuate these problems. Call Pouwels Basement Specialists, your basement waterproofing specialists, to repair cracks in the foundation and basement walls before spring. Fall and winter are good times for waterproofing basements in Wisconsin to get a jump on any potential moisture problems caused by snow melt and spring rains. Learn more about Pouwels Basement Specialists’ approach to crack repairs.
Clear Leaf Clutter from Window Wells
Third, make sure the window wells are clear of leaves or any debris that might obstruct water flow to the lower tiles. Be sure to check any small window wells and larger egress windows for leaf clutter. Also, clear the snow from the window wells after a heavy snowfall. Heavy sow may cause a problem, depending on the way the window was installed. If the snow doesn’t melt and drain to the lower tiles, snow and ice can freeze and break the window. Did you know that Pouwels Basement Specialists installs window drains? Window drains prevent water from pooling in a window well and potentially seeping into your basement.
Clean Roof Gutters and Downspouts
Finally, be sure to clean the roof gutters and down spouts to ensure the best drainage from snow melting, spring thaw and rainstorms. Clear gutters and downspouts ensure the best possible water drainage away from your home. Fall maintenance for gutters and downspouts lessens the chance for flooding and basement damage in the spring.
Basement Damage in Green Bay & Fox Cities
Pouwels Basement Specialists is a full-service basement waterproofing and foundation repair company serving Green Bay, Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, the Fox Cities, Manitowoc, Two Rivers, Marinette County, Door County, Kewaunee County, and Northeast Wisconsin. Contact us today for a quote.
